Chelsea v Tottenham Tip

If we look at the mini-league involving the Premier League’s top five sides it’s been little short of a disaster for Tottenham. Harry Redknapp’s side have taken just four points from the seven matches played against their primary rivals for the top spots. Chelsea have fared only slightly better - five points from six games - but they have at least scored prolifically in their home games. The Blues put three past Arsenal and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge; the problem being that only the two scored against Manchester City brought a victory!

Spurs fans will hope that the late developments on Wednesday night will give them a lift for the weekend. Rafael van der Vaart equalised in injury time for the Lilywhites while Chelsea surrendered a lead in the final 12 minutes before losing 2-1. But this could be wishful thinking. A 1-1 home draw with Stoke was still an unsatisfactory result for a Tottenham team that had lost its previous three in the league. Meanwhile, Roberto Di Matteo will know that his side were mightily close to becoming the first side to deny Man City three points at the Etihad. They can take encouragement from their performance.

In the context of March as a whole, Chelsea are still very much the team with the momentum. They enjoyed four consecutive wins in all competitions before Wednesday’s setback and they know that this London derby is actually the one they’re better of winning. Three points would put them within touching distance of Spurs, and the way the visitors are wobbling, it looks like it’s meant to be.

From a betting perspective it’s still hard to get enthused by best odds of 10/11 (WilliamHill) on the straight home win. I find myself torn: the Blues to win by 1 goal looks reasonable at 3/1 (Bet365). Then again it wouldn’t be surprising to see Lampard, Drogba and co come on strong in the second half - a ‘half time: draw - full time: Chelsea’ option also looks tempting at 4/1 (PaddyPower). Both seem equally likely so we’ll take on the longer price.